Vintage Map Decoupage Plates

Hi Everyone

Today I am taking a break from bringing you  my latest card, to show you a gift that I made for my husbands birthday last week.  The idea came to me after browsing Pinterest (I get too many ideas there!)  I saw these plates - now as beautiful as they are I knew I could make something for much less moolah!

I haven't done any decoupage for a while, but in my cupboard I still had all the 'ingredients' I needed.

This paper pad from 7 Gypsies (Global) - was exactly what I was looking for, the maps were just perfect.

The only problem was I didn't have was a glass plate, which after a quick shopping trip to Bed Bath and Beyond and parting with about $5.00 I had two.  (Sorry no pictures of the naked plates.)

After washing them and drying them thoroughly, I began the very quick process of  'reverse decoupage' - this tutorial gives great instructions (and coincidentally shows a picture of the naked plate I used.)  I covered the back of my plate with Modge Podge and then smoothed over the paper I'd chosen (which was already cut just a little larger than the size I needed.) I took my time smoothing out the air bubbles, and then left it to dry for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes I trimmed down the paper and GENTLY sanded the edges to make sure they were nice and neat with the edges of the plate.  I added 2 more coats of Modge Podge (allowing it to dry well in between) and finally finished it off with the acrylic sealer.  Here are the fruits of my labor.

I am very happy with the way these turned out - and I impressed the heck out of my husband too!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Michelle